Films Reflect upon Harm and Humanity within the Death Penalty

By: Emma Tacke

This month I had the pleasure of attending the screenings of two powerful documentaries: True Conviction and In the Executioner's Shadow. Both of these films effectively use the vehicle of personal stories to highlight the moral questions and high-stakes consequence the death penalty forces us to consider.

True Conviction chronicles the intertwined story of three Texas death row exonerees--Christopher Scott, Johnnie Lindsey, and Steven Phillips. They form an investigative team and, with new DNA evidence and previously hidden facts, help other people on Texas’ death row with innocence claims get their rightful chance at freedom. Fueled by a desire to not let what almost happened to them happen to others, the three men are steadfast in their devotion to bringing justice to light. The film features several scenes of the unlikely trio seated at a greasy spoon diner sifting through letters begging for their help. While watching this film, one can’t help but wonder the number of people for whom help was too late and were executed despite their innocence.

In the Executioner's Shadow features longtime friend and co-founder of CMN, Vicki Schieber and her husband--Syl Schieber.This documentary asks: what role should the death penalty play in our criminal justice system? The film also features former Virginia state executioner Jerry Givens, and Karen Brassard--a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing. While the Scheibers have always remained resolute in their decision to not pursue the death penalty for the man who killed their daughter, Brassard grapples with whether or not the man responsible for the Boston Marathon bombing should be sentenced to death. Ultimately, Brassard agrees with the jury’s final decision that the man who placed the bomb receive the death penalty.

In the Executioner’s Shadow shows the range of human response to grave harm and tragedy. Syl and Vicki’s choice to show mercy in the face of the ultimate betrayal is what our Catholic faith calls us to embrace. Concurrently, much of our work to end the death penalty involves walking with people like Karen Brassard who need to be met with compassion and understanding in their journey towards healing and wholeness.

Watching both True Conviction and In the Executioner's Shadow reminded me of just what is at stake in CMN’s mission to end the death penalty and promote a more restorative criminal justice system. I invite everyone to watch these films with an open mind and heart and consider, just as I did, the potential harm experienced by all people at the hands of our current criminal justice system.

On October 11th, just one day after the 2018 World Day Against the Death Penalty, Catholic Mobilizing Network rejoiced at the announcement that Washington's State Supreme Court declared the death penalty unconstitutional. Will this spur action in other states that still have the death penalty?
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On December 13, 2018, Jose Jimenez is scheduled to be executed in the state of Florida for the 1992 fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Phyllis Minas.
Want to take action? Write the Office of Executive Clemency to ask for clemency for Jose Jimenez.Personalize this one-click letter to advocate for Mr. Jimenez.
In Florida, the power to grant clemency is vested in the Governor with the agreement of two cabinet members who are also statewide elected officials. The Governor also has the sole power to deny clemency.
To learn more about clemency click here.
The contact information for the Office of Executive Clemency is: More

2018 is off to a promising start for efforts to end the use of the death penalty! Numerous state houses are considering legislation to either repeal or limit the use of the death penalty, and several others are gearing up for active legislative sessions.
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The four bishops of Iowa spoke out Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018 to oppose the death penalty. This statement arrives amid a flurry of legislative action in the Iowa Senate and House that would bring back the state's death penalty, which was abolished in 1965.
The bishops - Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels, Davenport Bishop Thomas Zinkula, Sioux City Bishop R. Walker Nickless and Des Moines Bishop Richard Pates - issued the following statement through the Iowa Catholic Conference.
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CMN’s Mercy in Action Project seeks to promote clemency for those facing imminent execution. By joining the Mercy in Action Project you will receive monthly alerts with information on upcoming executions and tools to advocate for clemency in those cases as well as prayerful resources. Join us as we save lives on death row! The Mercy in Action Project is being partially supported by a grant from The Consistent Life Network, an international pro-life, pro-peace coalition.